UK Meat Free Week: 5 reasons to cut down meat intake

Today sees the start of the UK’s first Meat Free Week; will you be partaking and cutting meat from your diet?

The campaign, which originated in Australia in 2013, encourages people to give up meats, including seafood for a week. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is backing the campaign and has been sharing plenty of delicious recipes on Instagram that you can try this week.

A recent survey by Quorn found that people are looking for more sustainable ways to be healthier and one third have cut back on their meat intake as a result.

So to encourage you to partake in the UK’s Meat-Free Week we share 5 reasons to cut down on your meat intake.

It helps save the planet

Approximately 70% of agricultural land is currently used for livestock and with an increasing population, the growing demand means that more land and energy is being consumed. If a million people ate Quorn mince instead of beef mince at least once a week over a year it would save approximately 12,500 acres of land – that’s the equivalent of 7,000 football pitches.

if every UK household switched from beef mince to Quorn just once a week, the nation would save 370 billion calories

It’s healthier for you

In the UK alone, obesity rates have doubled in the last 20 years, leading to huge increases in heart disease and diabetes.

Just a small change once a week from beef mince to Quorn can save the nation 370 billion calories if every UK household made the change.

Nearly half of the UK claim they would reduce their meat intake to feel healthier, so we’re nearly halfway there.

Sir Liam Donaldson, the former government chief medical officer has calculated that by just cutting our consumption of animal products by 30% we could prevent 18,000 premature deaths each year.

Celebs are doing it

Stars like Beyonce, Ellie Goulding, Ariana Grande and Lucy Watson have all made the decision to cut meat from their diets, whether completely or just a few times a week (and by the looks of their figures it’s working) with Ellie Goulding claiming she feels healthier and leaner.

Ariana Grande even said that eating a plant-based diet that's rich in whole foods will make you a happier person, and as a result can extend your life.

You can still enjoy all your favourite meals

A recent survey conducted by Quorn found that 65% of people gave up diets and healthy eating because the food was boring and they couldn’t enjoy their favourite meals. When you make meat substitutes for fresh and nutritious vegetables you’ll see a big difference in your overall health, we love chickpea and spinach curry, mushrooms to add a meaty texture to food and products like Quorn can be substituted for use in chillies and lasagne. You certainly don’t have to give up on your favourite meals.

It saves you money

Over a third of people said that they would opt for a meat-alternative if it was cheaper but what they don’t know is that Quorn mince is cheaper than its meat alternative.

Plus vegetables can go just as far as meat in filling you up, without the price tag that can come with some meats.